My Honest Coal Tar Shampoo Review: Can Polytar Soothe an Itchy Scalp?

I’m 46, I’m probably in the perimenopause, and I’ve lived with anxiety for as long as I can remember.

I’ve taken medication for generalised anxiety disorder for years and, while it certainly takes the edge off, whenever life throws me a curveball – or sometimes for no obvious reason at all – it’s my skin that pays the price.

Some people feel sick.

Some people become exhausted.

Some people become withdrawn or depressed.

Me? I get rashes, dry skin and, when things are particularly bad, an itchy scalp.

Over the past few months I’ve spoken to quite a few women going through the perimenopause and one thing that keeps cropping up is anxiety. It seems to be an incredibly common symptom. Whether what I’m experiencing is hormonal anxiety or simply my usual anxiety deciding to dial itself up a few notches, I honestly couldn’t tell you. Mine has always fluctuated wildly anyway.

What I do know is that I’ve been feeling particularly highly strung recently, despite there not being one obvious reason for it.

When My Scalp Joined the Party

So, naturally, my skin decided to join the party.

I’ve developed blotchy rashes on my arms and, for the first time in years, an unbelievably itchy, flaky scalp. It seemed to be at its worst at night, to the point where I genuinely found myself wondering whether I should be reaching for the nit shampoo.

As glamorous as that sounds.

It wasn’t just the itching that was driving me mad – it was the constant shower of flakes. My wardrobe is almost exclusively black T-shirts, and every time I brushed my hair or scratched my head, it looked like someone had shaken a snow globe over my shoulders.

I’ve used anti-dandruff shampoos in the past, but only as a cosmetic fix rather than to actually treat a problem. This felt different. I wanted to get to the root of it, quite literally.

So, after a bit of research, I decided to go old school.

Cue Polytar.

What Is Coal Tar Shampoo?

I’ll admit, the words coal tar don’t exactly scream luxury haircare.

If you’re anything like me, they probably conjure up images of roadworks rather than a relaxing shower.

Coal tar has actually been used in medicine for well over a century to help manage a number of chronic skin conditions. It is produced during the processing of coal and, when refined for medicinal use, has long been included in shampoos, creams and ointments to help relieve symptoms of conditions such as dandruff, seborrhoeic dermatitis and scalp psoriasis.

It works by slowing down the rapid turnover of skin cells, helping to reduce the build-up of flaky skin while calming inflammation and relieving itching. In simple terms, it helps angry scalps behave themselves.

Unlike many modern scalp treatments wrapped up in trendy branding and promises of miracle transformations, coal tar shampoos are refreshingly honest. They exist for one purpose – to provide relief.

A Trip Down Memory Lane… That I Didn’t Really Want

The first thing that hit me wasn’t the shampoo itself – it was the smell.

Instantly, I was transported back to my childhood.

My dad always used coal tar soap, so that distinctive medicinal scent is forever linked to memories of him. In my mind it’s always been quite a masculine smell – one that reminds me of old-fashioned barbers, medicine cabinets and a time before every toiletry smelt of coconut, vanilla or exotic flowers.

Do I find it nostalgic?

Absolutely.

Do I actually like the smell?

Not even slightly.

It’s strong, smoky and unmistakably medicinal. In fact, ‘pungent’ is probably the fairest description.

If you’re expecting a luxurious spa experience, you’ll be disappointed.

The Bit That Matters – Does It Actually Work?

Despite wrinkling my nose every time I opened the bottle, I committed to using Polytar twice a week.

Reluctantly.

Every wash was accompanied by a little sigh because I knew exactly what was coming.

But here’s the annoying bit.

It worked.

After a couple of weeks, the itching had calmed down dramatically. I wasn’t constantly scratching my head throughout the day, the flakes had almost completely disappeared and my scalp simply felt comfortable again.

The difference was more noticeable than I’d expected.

When your scalp is irritated, it occupies your thoughts far more than you’d imagine. You’re forever conscious of scratching, checking your shoulders or wondering if other people can see the flakes.

For the first time in weeks, I stopped thinking about it.

Will I Buy It Again?

Would I use Polytar every time I wash my hair?

No.

I genuinely dislike the smell too much for that.

But that’s almost irrelevant.

This isn’t the sort of shampoo you buy because it makes your hair smell amazing or because it comes in beautiful packaging. You buy it because your scalp is driving you to distraction and you just want something that offers a bit of relief.

For me, it did exactly that.

It won’t replace my everyday shampoo, but it has absolutely earned itself a permanent place in my bathroom cabinet.

If the itching returns, if another anxiety-induced flare-up appears, or even if I just fancy giving my scalp a proper cleanse, I’ll happily reach for it again.

Final Thoughts

There are endless scalp products promising miracle transformations, glossy hair and botanical ingredients sourced from some remote rainforest.

Polytar promises none of those things.

In fact, it feels refreshingly old-fashioned.

It’s not glamorous.

It doesn’t smell particularly nice.

It probably won’t become the latest viral beauty trend.

But after decades on pharmacy shelves, there’s a reason it’s still around.

Sometimes the old remedies really are the best.

Cost and Availability

Polytar Scalp Shampoo is widely available from UK pharmacies and online retailers, including Boots. A 150ml bottle typically costs between £9 and £12, although prices may vary. As it’s a medicated shampoo, you’ll usually find it in the pharmacy or healthcare aisle rather than with everyday shampoos.

Disclaimer: This article reflects my personal experience using Polytar shampoo. Anxiety, hormonal changes and scalp conditions affect everyone differently. If you have persistent itching, excessive flaking or concerns about your scalp, it’s always advisable to seek advice from your GP or pharmacist.

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